Argentine Tango Syllabus: Section H: Tips for leaders and followers
(See the Syllabus page for a list of the other topics in the syllabus.)
- H1: Good Floorcraft for leaders
- H2: Don'ts for Leaders
- H3: Good Floorcraft for followers
- H4: Don'ts for followers
H1: Good Floorcraft for leaders:
- Keep moving forward as space becomes available (Don't cause backups).
- Do not cause collisions
- Avoid overtaking, unless it is not crowded, the couple in front isn't moving for an extended period, and you are certain it is safe to do so
- Avoid stepping backwards, unless you are certain it is safe to do so
- Stay in lanes when crowded
- Protect your follower (from collisions, getting kicked, others, etc.)
H2: Don'ts for Leaders
Leaders, do not:- Teach on the dancefloor
- Crash around the floor like the proverbial bull in the china shop
- Give people hard looks over minor things
- Harass a follower into dancing with you
- Drink fizzy drinks and then dance with women with long loose hair (trust me)
H3: Good Floorcraft for followers
- Keep your feet low, when the milonga is crowded, or others are nearby
- Be aware of the leaders blind spots: behind himself & to his right
H4: Don't For Followers
Followers, do not:- Press down so hard with your left arm you crush his right arm against his body
- Auto-ocho
- Do ganchos unless you're both certain it's what is being led and you know the proper technique (Hint: Kicking your leg back isn't the proper technique!)
- Take your foot up unless you're certain it's safe to do so
- Harass a leader into dancing with you
- Doubt yourself while dancing. You should take your steps with confidence - if you pause or ask "Did you mean to do that?", it messes everything up